Freedom of expression online: Peers explore cultural and gender issues
1 February 2021
The House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee continues its inquiry into freedom of expression online tomorrow (Tuesday 2 February from 3.00 p.m.) by exploring cultural differences and gender.
The committee will hear from:
At 3.00 p.m.
- Dr Roxane Farmanfarmaian, Director, ‘Protecting Freedom of Expression in Religious Context’, Cambridge University
- Dr Sharath Srinivasan, Lecturer in Governance and Human Rights, King's College, Cambridge University
Likely questions and topics of discussion include:
- To what extent does (and should) the right to freedom of expression accommodate cultural differences?
- Do cultural differences preclude further international collaboration on the freedom of expression?
- How well do platforms’ moderation policies and processes take account of cultural and religious differences?
At 4.00 p.m.
- Louise Perry, freelance writer and campaigner
- Dr Fiona Vera-Gray, Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Durham University
Likely questions and topics of discussion include:
- Polls show that women are more likely than men to prioritise safety over the freedom of expression. Why?
- Do social media platforms do enough to remove content which gives rise to gendered harms?
- Do major pornographic websites have sufficiently robust processes to verify consent?
- Has the Government done enough to ensure that illegal pornography is removed from the internet?
The session will be live on Parliament TV.
